Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Bestest Little SUV Ever - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By jerseyan - August 10 - 2:29 am

  After trading in a 2001 Rav4 we purchased a new 2005. It has been a pleasure to own, and wish Toyota still made this style. We like the size, it has plenty of zip, not bad on gas, easy to park, and great in the snow with the AWD. I do most of my own work and changed the wires and plugs at the 100,000 mile mark. The only maintenance was a new battery, front brakes, tires, new rear shocks, and runs like the day it left the dealers lot. It also helps that it is garage kept.

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  Best 1 yet - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By 3rd4runner - August 9 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned 3 4Runners- 1997 SR5 that was recently sold with nearly 162000 almost completely trouble-free miles, a 2001 SR5 that I wrecked with 183000 even more trouble-free miles and a new 2008 Limited. We need at least 1 truck in the family to move people and items, and I cant think of a better choice. The 2008 is the finest vehicle I have ever owned. The fit and finish is top quality and Toyota continues to improve the creature comforts. I see this car being around for 200000 miles.

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  Highway Mileage 43.5 - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Slipshod - August 9 - 9:33 pm

  I drive 50 miles each way on 495 from MA into NH. Up and down highway. Im getting 43.5+ mpg so far.

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  Camrys since 1994 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Camrys win again - August 9 - 11:06 am

  Researched Camry and Accords extensively. Have had Camrys since 1994. Purchased LE 4cyl, sunroof and alloy wheels. Love the quiet ride, especially over city bumps. Found the Accord not as forgiving in the city. If you do a lot of highway or curvy country road driving get the Accord with the vehicle stability package. Otherwise, if you live in the city get the Camry. Its more a "squishy" comfortable drive with good sound "muffling" ability. Also, this is picky but the a/c on the Camry works alot better than Honda especially when speed varies.

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  How old am I again??? - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By 49YrOldKidAgain - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a car for ME. I got one. I have had so much fun driving my convertible and love to see heads turn to see what it is Im driving! To put the top down and just hit the trail is awesome. You definitely learn how to pack light and take your bare essentials, but I knew that when I bought it. I went, I saw, I bought, and Im still excited and having a blast.

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  4 years old and going strong - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By OTTR B - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Almost right away used it in place of broken down Plymouth minivan for a reenactment. Were able to haul everything we had in the minivan in the Echo--more careful packing. Drove it to Alaska over the Alaska Highway and back summer of 02. 10,748 miles. Averaged 38 mpg--best was 43 worst 32 (driving in Montana with A/C on and somewhat over speed limit if there was one). Only problem whole trip was the A/C condensor line came off because of washboard road--Alaska Hiway--Yukon Ty--reconnected it dried floor & kept going. Wife used it to commute to school and work--both long commutes. Never failed her. Work is closer now so well see how it does for shorter commutes.

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  Good & Bad - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By srcd00 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  The van has been great in many areas. GOOD = Easy use of controls for the driver, comfortable seats for long trips, easy to remove rear seats, dual sliding doors. BAD = replaced transmission after 5K miles. Replaced CD player after 10K. Seat belt light stays on even when seat belt is on. Rust on top of car and we garage the van everyday and night. Tires wore out after 20K replaced with better quality Michelin. Overall the van has been good, I would buy another one but get the 6yr warranty.

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  Sequoia Rocks! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By susan orourke - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sequoia! Its roomy, comfortable, attractive and feels safe.

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  Toyota - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By pduke - August 9 - 10:00 am

  The onboard computer GPS is fun and reliable. We were surprised that it showed so many small side roads. The cost for a vehicle with so many extras was more than reasonable. We looked at comparable cars like the Buick and they were so much more. What was an added bonus and selling point for us, is the better warranty than most American automobile.s

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rose g - August 9 - 10:00 am

  The ride is great and the new motor is very smooth